for vocals 33609 JD vs 2 Distressors vs DBX 160 SL

[Jan Folkson]

I've got all 3 that you mentioned with my 33609 being the /c variety. I use them all for vocals, depending on the vocalist and the project.

The most transparent: DBX
The most versatile: Distressor

That said, the 33609 often beats them both.

There's no reason that you cant get a great vocal sound from any of them.

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by Jan Folkson

.... (snip) .....The most versatile: Distressor.... (snip).....

I agree.

I love to record vocals with my Distressor(s)

Or mostly anything else, too....

[blue_scorpion]

The 1073 DPA can be used as well as a DI? I've heard only the Aurora Audio GTQ 2 has the Di possibilities and, of course EQ. But I don't think I'll be interessed in "very good clones" of the original stuff...
So, the 1073 DPA can be used as a DI as well?

[drundall]

I use the 33609 as my go to vocal compressor. That with an API 312 pre has an articulation that I like. Others may disagree but that works for the stuff I do. You might want to check out some different mics, too.

[airmate]

i use the 160 sl as my main and favorite tracking compressor, since all the functions, controls and meters come in pretty handy. and sonically it's very transparent if not driven too hard. moreover, the optional a/d converter sounds not too bad...

160 sl for tracking and la-2a plus some fader riding for mixdown did it for me for nearly any singer i was working with in the past year (and there were quite a few...).
sometimes i've used fatso or 1176 in some part of the signal path, but 160 sl and la-2a really have become my personal standards. thumbsup

[deft_bonz]

i love my distressor for vocal mixing. sometimes i use as a second compressor after the distressor an es-8 from pendulum.

you can't go wrong with a distressor. it works fine on a lot of sounds.